Starting Salary of MBBS Doctor in Pakistan (per month)

In Pakistan, the medical profession is widely respected, and many young individuals aspire to become doctors due to the noble nature of the job and the stable career path it offers. However, when it comes to the financial aspect—particularly the starting salary of MBBS doctors—it’s important to understand the variation across sectors, experience levels, and provinces.

In 2025, the salaries of MBBS doctors in Pakistan are structured according to pay scales set by the government or individual private healthcare institutions. Government-employed doctors follow the Basic Pay Scale (BPS) system, while private hospitals offer negotiable packages based on skills, qualifications, and departmental demand.

Government MBBS Doctor Salary in Pakistan – 2025 Update

The journey of a doctor usually begins after completing an MBBS degree and securing a house job. In the public sector, a house officer (intern doctor) earns approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month, depending on the province and availability of additional allowances.

After completing the house job, doctors may be inducted into the public health sector at BPS-17, which is the entry-level grade for general medical officers (GMOs) in government hospitals. In 2025, the basic salary for a BPS-17 doctor starts from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 95,000 per month.

Each province may offer additional incentives. For example, doctors working in rural or underserved areas might receive a hardship allowance or rural posting bonus. Provinces like Balochistan and Sindh, where there is a shortage of healthcare workers, sometimes offer slightly higher starting packages to attract medical professionals.

Grade-Wise Salary of Doctors in Government Hospitals

The pay scales for MBBS doctors increase with promotion and additional specialization. The following is a general breakdown:

• BPS-17 (General Medical Officer / Entry Level MBBS Doctor)
  Salary: Rs. 75,000 – Rs. 95,000
  Includes: Basic salary, health allowance, house rent, and utility benefits
• BPS-18 (Senior Medical Officer / Postgraduate Trainee)
  Salary: Rs. 100,000 – Rs. 140,000
  Doctors at this stage often pursue FCPS or MD/MS
• BPS-19 (Specialist / Consultant Doctor)
  Salary: Rs. 160,000 – Rs. 200,000
  This grade applies to specialists such as cardiologists, pediatricians, and surgeons.
• BPS-20 and Above (Senior Consultants / Directors / MS of Hospital)
  Salary: Rs. 250,000 and above
  These posts often include administrative responsibilities along with clinical work.

Doctors working in departments like radiology, anesthesia, pathology, or emergency services may receive department-specific allowances as well, especially when on-call duties are involved.

Postgraduate Trainee Salaries (FCPS / MD/MS)

Doctors pursuing postgraduate training (PGs) in government hospitals receive fixed stipends that differ depending on the year of training:

• 1st Year PG Trainee: Rs. 65,000 – Rs. 70,000 per month
• 2nd to 4th Year PG Trainee: Rs. 72,000 – Rs. 80,000 per month

These trainees are not regular employees but receive stipends for their clinical duties during training.

Private Sector Doctor Salary

In the private sector, salary structures are much more flexible. Fresh MBBS graduates who join private hospitals or clinics without a house job or further specialization often start with a monthly salary of Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 60,000. However, private setups offer growth based on performance and reputation.

Some reputed private hospitals, like Aga Khan University Hospital, Shifa International, or South City Hospital, offer higher salaries to qualified professionals. For example:

• Fresh MBBS (Private Hospital): Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 70,000
• Resident Medical Officers (RMO): Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 100,000
• Specialists with FCPS/MD: Rs. 200,000 – Rs. 400,000
• Consultants in Reputed Hospitals: Rs. 400,000 – Rs. 800,000+

Doctors running their own clinics or working in diagnostic services (like sonography or endoscopy) often earn significantly more based on patient inflow and city demographics.

Factors Influencing Doctor’s Salary in Pakistan

Several factors influence how much a doctor earns in Pakistan:

1. Province and City: Salaries in metropolitan areas like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad are typically higher than in smaller towns.
2. Specialization: Fields like dermatology, radiology, and surgery tend to offer higher financial rewards.
3. Experience: With each year of service and higher qualifications, the salary grows substantially.
4. Public vs Private Sector: Government jobs offer job security and pension benefits, while the private sector offers higher growth potential and incentives.
5. Shift Duties: Doctors who work night or emergency shifts are often given additional pay in both sectors.

MBBS Doctor Grade and Career Path

The career path of an MBBS doctor in Pakistan generally follows this route:

1. House Officer (1 year internship)
2. Medical Officer (BPS-17)
3. Postgraduate Trainee (4 years in FCPS or equivalent)
4. Senior Registrar / Specialist (BPS-18 or BPS-19)

Those who go into teaching or hospital administration may also climb the ranks to become deans or medical superintendents.

Conclusion

The starting salary of an MBBS doctor in Pakistan in 2025 ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 90,000, depending on the sector, province, and level of induction. While public sector jobs offer modest salaries initially, they come with long-term benefits like pension, job security, and structured promotions. On the other hand, private sector jobs offer quick growth, better initial pay in some cases, and performance-based increments. As doctors specialize and gain experience, their earnings increase significantly, making medicine a financially stable and respected profession in Pakistan.